drɪŋk v. & n. --v. (past
drank;
past part. drunk) 1 a tr. swallow (a liquid). b tr. swallow
the liquid contents of (a vessel). c intr. swallow liquid,
take draughts (drank
from the stream). 2 intr. take
alcohol,
esp. to
excess (I
have heard
that he drinks). 3 tr. (of a
plant,
porous material, etc.)
absorb (moisture). 4 refl.
bring (oneself etc.) to a specified
condition by drinking (drank
himself into a stupor). 5 tr. (usu. foll. by away)
spend (wages etc.) on drink (drank
away the money). 6 tr.
wish (a person's
good health,
luck, etc.) by drinking (drank
his health). --n. 1 a a liquid
for drinking (milk is a sustaining drink). b a
draught or specified
amount of
this (had a drink of milk). 2 a
alcoholic liquor (got the drink in for Christmas). b a
portion,
glass, etc. of this (have a drink). c
excessive indulgence in alcohol (drink is his vice). 3 (as the drink) colloq. the
sea. ødrink
deep take a
large draught or draughts. drink-driver a
person who drives a
vehicle with an excess of alcohol in the
blood. drink-driving the
act or an
instance of this. drink in
listen to closely or eagerly (drank in his
every word). drinking-song a
song sung while drinking, usu.
concerning drink. drinking-up
time Brit. a
short period legally allowed for finishing drinks
bought before closing time in a
public house. drinking-water
water pure enough for drinking. drink
off drink the
whole (contents) of at
once. drink to
toast; wish
success to. drink a person
under the
table remain sober longer
than one's drinking companion. drink up drink the whole
of;
empty. in drink
drunk.
strong drink alcohol, esp. spirits. øødrinkable adj. drinker n. [OE drincan (v.), drinc(a) (n.) f. Gmc]